Paolo Cognetti, acclaimed author of the prize-winning novel Le otto montagne, has bravely opened up about his recent experience with Mandatory Health Treatment (TSO) due to severe depression resulting from bipolar disorder. His candid narrative highlights not only his personal struggles but also the broader societal stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Cognetti's path to this significant intervention began last year when he experienced bouts of deep depression, startling shifts from creative highs to alarming behavioral changes. “Le malattie nervose non devono più essere una vergona da nascondere e la risalita comincia accettando chi realmente si è,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of discussing mental health openly (Original quote in Italian: “Le malattie nervose non devono più essere una vergona da nascondere e la risalita comincia accettando chi realmente si è.”).
The turning point came on December 4, when he was admitted to the psychiatric ward at Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Milan. Having lost self-awareness to such a degree, he engaged in risky behavior, including sending nude photos to friends and irresponsibly giving away large amounts of money. He recalls the shocking moment of police and medical intervention: “Mi sono ritrovato sotto casa un’auto della polizia e un’ambulanza. Sono stato sedato: da inizio dicembre, causa farmaci, non ho fatto che dormire,” he reflected (Original quote in Italian: “Mi sono ritrovato sotto casa un’auto della polizia e un’ambulanza. Sono stato sedato: da inizio dicembre, causa farmaci, non ho fatto che dormire.”).
Adelia Lucattini, the psychiatrist involved, noted, “Nelle fasi maniacali si può perdere il senso del pudore o quello del denaro,” explaining the significant disconnect between patients’ actions and their grasp of reality during manic phases (Original quote in Italian: “Nelle fasi maniacali si può perdere il senso del pudore o quello del denaro.”).
The TSO is utilized only under specific circumstances, primarily for psychiatric disorders when patients are incapable of recognizing their illness. It is rare and often only enacted after voluntary treatment has been refused. Cognetti’s case highlights the challenging situations where loved ones may fear for the safety of both the individual and those around them. Lucattini explained the TSO procedure, “È sempre revocabile, comunque, da un magistrato, dal Sindaco stesso o dai medici, e può avere una lunghezza massima di 7 giorni,” emphasizing the safeguards involved (Original quote in Italian: “È sempre revocabile, comunque, da un magistrato, dal Sindaco stesso o dai medici, e può avere una lunghezza massima di 7 giorni.”).
Through his compelling recount, Cognetti aims not only to shed light on his personal battle but to spark conversations about how society perceives mental illness. He articulated the deep pain many experience: “Sei vivo, ma è come se fossi morto,” underscoring the emotional toll of mental health conditions (Original quote in Italian: “Sei vivo, ma è come se fossi morto.”).
Cognetti’s narrative breaks down the walls of stigma, illustrating how society often punishes vulnerability with silence. “Depressione e disagio psichico sono un fiume carsico in piena,” he stated, alluding to the hidden nature of mental health struggles when faced with societal pressures to appear strong and perfectly sane (Original quote in Italian: “Depressione e disagio psichico sono un fiume carsico in piena.”).
The story of Paolo Cognetti serves as both a personal testimony and a call to action. It serves to normalize discussions about mental health, emphasizing the necessity of support and acceptance not just from family and friends but also from society at large. Paying attention to this narrative encourages others to seek help without shame and fosters the creation of environments where mental health can be openly discussed.
Returning to normalcy after such traumatic experiences is undoubtedly complex. Cognetti’s words resonate with many: the process of recovery can involve feelings of embarrassment and the need for support, whether acknowledged publicly or kept private. Yet, sharing his narrative allows for recognition and acceptance of struggles, bringing these oft-ignored issues to light.
Indeed, as Cognetti eloquently illustrated, it is time to raise the veil on the silent suffering so many endure. His account reminds us all of the power of vulnerability and the strength found in community support when facing mental health challenges.
